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Mayor Touts Livery Cab Deal As 'Right Thing For New York City'

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- One day after Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a deal on the so-called outer-borough taxi plan, Mayor Michael Bloomberg was in Manhattan singing its praises.

"This is the right thing for New York City. The bottom line is for recorded history -- or at least as far back as I know -- there has really never been the kind of service for all parts of this city that New Yorkers deserve," Bloomberg told reporters, including 1010 WINS' Stan Brooks.

1010 WINS' Stan Brooks Reports From Inwood

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Bloomberg celebrated the historic taxi agreement with cheering livery drivers Wednesday at Seanman Car Service in Inwood.

"We are very, very happy that the mayor show up and he help us so much time, including the governor and we are happy here. We are happy because some dream is come true," one driver said.

Sitting in a wheelchair, Alexander Wood said he could not be happier and didn't think he would ever see such an agreement.

"I'm just thrilled to death that we're going to have 5,600 new accessible cars on the street," he told Brooks. "I thought it was never possible. I thought the industry had the cards stacked against us and I really am excited that mayor and the governor put together a deal that everyone can live with."

The plan will allow the city to sell 18,000 permits allowing livery cab drivers to pick up passengers north of 96th Street in Manhattan and in the outer four boroughs.

In addition, New York City will also be able to sell 2,000 additional taxi medallions, which will help raise significant revenue to ease its budget shortfall.

Handicap accessibility is also a major part of the agreement and the city will provide grants of up to $15,000 to fit cabs with equipment necessary to accommodate disabled passengers or bus-accessible vehicles.

How will the plan affect you?  Let us know below...

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